The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming is changing. More game developers are applying AI directly to gameplay, moving beyond development and operation. AI is now playing characters on behalf of users and suggesting growth paths, with subscription-based products emerging as well.
According to the gaming industry on August 31, the application of AI features that users can directly experience is expanding, particularly among new releases from domestic game companies in the second half of this year.
Released on August 26, Com2us's 'Zeus: God of Pride' (hereafter referred to as Zeus) incorporates an 'AI mode' that allows AI to play characters on behalf of users. Unlike simple automated hunting for repetitive battles, the AI manages shop and marketplace interactions, item management, and skill settings, reducing the need for user input.
The AI mode is also utilized in guild content. While guild members use AI mode to develop their characters, those characters can participate in guild activities even when users are not logged in. Users can access the AI mode for free for up to 12 hours a day, while premium subscribers can use it 24 hours a day for a monthly fee of 9,900 won, creating a new revenue model.
Com2us expects that as Zeus gains initial users, the utilization of the AI mode will increase. A company representative stated, "While there were questions about the actual utility of the AI mode in its early stages, we have found that user satisfaction is currently high."
Kakao Games' 'World of Goblins,' set to launch in October, will also feature an AI assistant that analyzes user gameplay data to suggest growth directions.
Unlike AI that plays directly, 'World of Goblins' focuses on assisting user judgment. The AI assistant, 'Myorong,' provides information based on user activity data. Initially starting at a beta level, it plans to evolve to suggest equipment to enhance and skills to develop.
However, concerns have been raised that as AI begins to influence actual gameplay and user decisions, it may lead to a uniformity in play styles that could diminish the enjoyment of the game. Kakao Games has stated that it will avoid presenting specific skills or equipment as definitive answers, and that paid items will be excluded from AI recommendations to prevent directing users toward specific choices or purchases.
The industry views this as a shift where AI is not only replacing repetitive gameplay but also directly influencing user play styles by suggesting growth paths. The emergence of subscription-based products combined with AI raises interest in how AI will establish itself as a service for users and a new revenue model.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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